A FIRE which broke out in a building on Garrard Street, central Reading, on Friday, July 7, is now under control, police have confirmed.
Thames Valley Police posted to social media to say that the Major Incident response has been stood down, though Garrard Street remains closed.
The post reads: “Garrard Street, near to the scene, remain remains closed at present, but will re-open as soon as possible.
“The train station was unaffected and remains open to the public.
“Nobody has been injured, and we’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding.”
Multiple reports cited smoke rising from a building behind Sainsbury’s in central Reading, close to Reading Gaol.
In a video, black smoke can be seen drifting from the site just before 4pm on Friday, July 7.
Police confirmed that a building currently covered with sheets as it undergoes development is the source of the smoke.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement: “At 3:42pm on Friday, 07 July, we received reports of a fire on Garrard Street in Reading.
“Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews from Caversham Road, Wokingham Road, Wokingham and Whitley Wood were sent to the scene.
“Upon arrival, crews discovered a fire in a high-rise construction site. Crews remain at the scene of the incident at this time. Please avoid the area if possible to allow emergency services clear access to the scene. Further updates will be provided shortly.”
Ian, a member of the team on the site when the fire broke out, has described the incident: “Basically at about a quarter to four this afternoon we were doing a couple of lifts on the roof, level 12, and one of the guys said ‘what’s that black smoke?’
“I looked out the window and right below the crane — maybe six to 10 ft away — was a small fire.
“We shouted down and tried to get a fire extinguisher to it, but by the time we did that, within thirty seconds half the roof was ablaze and decided it was time to make a quick exit.”
This story is breaking– more as it develops
